Heavy Rest Area Grant Funding

A practical guide to funding and delivering HVRA rest stop amenities, including toilet buildings, scope tips, and application steps.

Program snapshot

About: heavy vehicle rest area builds and upgrades
Funding Cap: up to $5m per project
State/territory co-funding: up to 50% (all locations)
Who can apply: local/state/territory governments
Funding Split: up to 80% (regional/remote) / 50% (urban)
Apply: via RPM portal (co-funding evidence required)

Who is the HVRA initiative is for?

Local Governments

Up to 80% of total cost for projects in regional and remote areas
Up to 50% in urban areas
Cap: $5m per project

State / Territory Road Depts

Up to 50% of total cost (all locations)
Cap: $5m per project
Note: Projects require co-funding and evidence of secured co-contributions must be supplied with the application

What projects are eligible?

Funding is specifically for projects that provide safe, accessible rest locations for heavy vehicle drivers to manage fatigue.  Eligible project types include:

Formal rest areas: Construction of new sites or significant upgrades to existing facilities. 
Informal rest areas: Formalising or improving "stopping places" frequently used by drivers. 
Rest area signage: Improvements to visibility, including the installation of green reflectors.

Supported Amenities

In supporting the rest area’s function, projects may include:

Toilets and showers
Sheltered seating and shade areas
Drinking water stations

What can Modus provide?

Modus can provide all three of these options and tailor them to your specific site, ensuring that they form a cohesive “suite”.

When is the Deadline?

The HVRA initiative is delivered through SLRIP and applications are accepted all year, then assessed  in tranches (batched rounds).

Current tranche deadline: 5:00pm (AEST) – 30 April 2026

To avoid missing the tranche, submit early, after tranche close, late additional information is generally  not considered.

How to Apply

1. Confirm Project Type

Ensure it fits the Formal, Informal, or Signage-only categories.

2. Scope the Outcome

Scope the outcome + site need (what changes, why this location).

3. Secure Co-funding

Secure co-funding and prepare evidence (required at submission).

4. Prepare HVRA Inputs

Prepare the HVRA-specific inputs (example: vehicle sizes, signage plan, maintenance plan, nearest alternatives, repurposing existing facilities where relevant).

5. Submit via RPM Portal

Submit via the Department’s RPM portal: https://rpmportal.infrastructure.gov.au/

Application-Ready with Modus

Planning + Design

Free Design Consultation, concept floorplans and 3D renders (Toilets/Showers/Shelter)
Budget + Scope

Fast budget pricing and specs to support your application and co-contribution evidence.
Fast Construction

Prefabricated modular systems designed for fast install at remote or regional sites
Asset Longevity

Vandal-resistant and robust materials for high-use roadside environments

“Modus delivered outstanding, durable facilities for the Newell Highway. Their efficient modular expertise significantly improved road safety and the travel experience for all NSW motorists.”

Director, Major Infrastructure

Projects, Fulton Hogan

“Modus delivered modern, high-quality facility suited for extreme conditions. Their accommodating team integrated custom artwork into a competitively priced, low-maintenance project. We highly recommend them.”

Nicole Nelson,

Manager of Tourism

Download the HVRA Funding Guide and Checklist

The Department rarely accepts late evidence once a tranche closes, so your first submission must be your strongest. Download the HVRA Funding Guide & Checklist to confirm eligibility instantly and map out the exact evidence pack you need to secure up to $5M in funding.

Public Toilet Planning Guide and Checklist

Need a Grant Writer?

Successful grant applications require a combination of technical precision and strategic alignment. To give your project the best chance of success, we recommend partnering with our trusted partners at Salt Consulting.

Modus has collaborated with the Blue Salt team previously and they have a proven track record of delivering competitive, successful infrastructure submissions. As specialists in Australian government funding, they handle the "heavy lifting" of the application process, ensuring your project is presented with professional clarity and full compliance.

Visit Blue Salt Consulting

Past Roadside Projects

Cranbrook Truck Bay Rest Stop, WA

Atlantis building with integrated shelter, table settings, showers and toilet facilities
Off-grid solar, septic, and rainwater tank system
Vandal-resistant fixtures and durable internal finishes
Main Roads WA compliant layout for driver fatigue
Robust design engineered for high-use roadside rest areas

Mar 31, 2025 Positive

Great rest stop. Clean shower and facilities. Australia needs more like this. Quite a lot of mosquitos

May 28, 2023 Positive

Huge rest stop. Clean too. No truckie pee bottles all over the place like all other truck rest areas. Someone looks after this place. Kootoes.

Apr 6, 2023 Positive

Great free overnight parking with toilets and free hot showers! We were the only campervan parked up, trucks would come and go. Very peaceful at night despite being near a road.